Protests in Georgia Amid Arrest of British National for Orchestrating Violent Demonstration

[Social Media]

 

Georgian authorities have arrested a British man, identified as Daniel Travis from Liverpool, accusing him of orchestrating violent demonstrations.

 

The allegations, however, have not been substantiated with evidence, sparking further controversy.  

 

Travis, who described himself as “just passing through” and eager to return home, was reportedly arrested after breaking into parliament during the protests. Georgian officials have labeled him a “foreign instructor” accused of inciting violence to destabilize the government. Meanwhile, a woman who rented a flat to Travis claimed he had introduced himself as an English teacher and expressed doubt about his capacity to organize large-scale unrest. The British Foreign Office confirmed contact with local authorities over the arrest of the UK national.  

 

 

Tensions in Georgia have been mounting for months, culminating in last week’s announcement by the government that it was shelving EU negotiations, a move critics argue pulls the former Soviet republic closer to Russia’s influence. Since then, thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets nightly, demanding a reversal of the decision and the continuation of EU accession talks.  

 

 

Protests have grown increasingly intense, with demonstrators constructing flaming barricades to repel riot police, who have responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. At least 200 protesters have been detained, and dozens of civilians and police officers have been injured. Despite the heavy-handed police response, protesters remain resolute. “These are the most important days in modern Georgia’s history,” said Mikheil, a protester. “We are not tired, we are not afraid.”  

 

Younger generations born after Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 have been at the forefront of the demonstrations. For many, EU membership represents not just political alignment but also a safeguard for their future. The epicenter of the unrest has been the Soviet-era parliament building, where scenes of defiance play out nightly. Protesters equipped with gas masks, helmets, and makeshift shields have turned the area into a battleground, warding off police advances and expressing unity through symbolic acts such as dancing in icy water sprayed from cannons.

 

President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU figure whose role is largely ceremonial, has openly condemned the police’s actions, accusing them of systematic beatings of protesters. She has been in a longstanding conflict with the ruling Georgian Dream party, alleging that it colludes with Moscow to undermine Georgia’s democratic aspirations. “The determination in the streets shows no signs of stopping!” Zourabichvili wrote on X, vowing not to step down from her position unless the government agrees to hold a new vote.  

 

Journalists have also reported being targeted during the protests. Guram Rogava, a reporter for Formula TV, claimed police deliberately attacked him, leaving him unconscious. Another journalist, Aka Zarqua, alleged that he was beaten by riot police until they “got bored” and accused officers of stealing from him during the assault.  

 

While the protests highlight deep-seated frustration with the government, they also underscore the population’s overwhelming support for EU membership. Around 80% of Georgians back the nation’s integration with the EU, a goal enshrined in the country’s constitution. Georgia was granted EU candidate status last year, but talks have been delayed due to concerns over democratic backsliding.  

 

As protests continue to intensify, the streets of Tbilisi remain a vivid testament to the country’s internal struggle between its pro-European aspirations and the growing influence of authoritarianism. Whether the government will reconsider its stance on EU talks remains to be seen, but for now, the determination of Georgia’s citizens shows no signs of waning.

 

Based on a report by the Times and Sunday Times 2024-12-04

 

 

 

[Hakuna Matata]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Georgian authorities have arrested a British man, identified as Daniel Travis from Liverpool, accusing him of orchestrating violent demonstrations.

 

No surprise, this is a British MI6 operation to subvert and sabotage the legitimate government of Georgia.

 

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/12/03/georgia-authorities-claims-foreign-agitator-organising-riots-is-british/

 

Quote

The Georgian state rejects the notion the Briton was an innocent bystander, however, with claims he was a professional foreign agitator. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has claimed in recent days the protests are being attended by what he calls “foreign instructors” orchestrating violence.

 

[Patong2021]

21 minutes ago, Hakuna Matata said:

 

No surprise, this is a British MI6 operation to subvert and sabotage the legitimate government of Georgia.

 

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/12/03/georgia-authorities-claims-foreign-agitator-organising-riots-is-british/

 

 

 

Everything is a conspiracy and super secret plot. It is doubtful that a scrawny english teacher from Liverpool was in the employ of MI6.

Most likely a convenient pastsy. At worst an opportunistic vandal doing what scousers like to do.

 

I don't suppose you have ever heard of the concept called due process?

[JingerBen]

CIA? Mossad?

Subject him to some enhanced interrogation and find out.

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Georgian authorities have arrested a British man, identified as Daniel Travis from Liverpool, accusing him of orchestrating violent demonstrations.

 

The allegations, however, have not been substantiated with evidence, sparking further controversy.  

 

Travis, who described himself as “just passing through” and eager to return home, was reportedly arrested after breaking into parliament during the protests. Georgian officials have labeled him a “foreign instructor” accused of inciting violence to destabilize the government. Meanwhile, a woman who rented a flat to Travis claimed he had introduced himself as an English teacher and expressed doubt about his capacity to organize large-scale unrest. The British Foreign Office confirmed contact with local authorities over the arrest of the UK national.  

 

 

Tensions in Georgia have been mounting for months, culminating in last week’s announcement by the government that it was shelving EU negotiations, a move critics argue pulls the former Soviet republic closer to Russia’s influence. Since then, thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets nightly, demanding a reversal of the decision and the continuation of EU accession talks.  

 

 

Protests have grown increasingly intense, with demonstrators constructing flaming barricades to repel riot police, who have responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. At least 200 protesters have been detained, and dozens of civilians and police officers have been injured. Despite the heavy-handed police response, protesters remain resolute. “These are the most important days in modern Georgia’s history,” said Mikheil, a protester. “We are not tired, we are not afraid.”  

 

 

Younger generations born after Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 have been at the forefront of the demonstrations. For many, EU membership represents not just political alignment but also a safeguard for their future. The epicenter of the unrest has been the Soviet-era parliament building, where scenes of defiance play out nightly. Protesters equipped with gas masks, helmets, and makeshift shields have turned the area into a battleground, warding off police advances and expressing unity through symbolic acts such as dancing in icy water sprayed from cannons.

 

President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU figure whose role is largely ceremonial, has openly condemned the police’s actions, accusing them of systematic beatings of protesters. She has been in a longstanding conflict with the ruling Georgian Dream party, alleging that it colludes with Moscow to undermine Georgia’s democratic aspirations. “The determination in the streets shows no signs of stopping!” Zourabichvili wrote on X, vowing not to step down from her position unless the government agrees to hold a new vote.  

 

Journalists have also reported being targeted during the protests. Guram Rogava, a reporter for Formula TV, claimed police deliberately attacked him, leaving him unconscious. Another journalist, Aka Zarqua, alleged that he was beaten by riot police until they “got bored” and accused officers of stealing from him during the assault.  

 

While the protests highlight deep-seated frustration with the government, they also underscore the population’s overwhelming support for EU membership. Around 80% of Georgians back the nation’s integration with the EU, a goal enshrined in the country’s constitution. Georgia was granted EU candidate status last year, but talks have been delayed due to concerns over democratic backsliding.  

 

As protests continue to intensify, the streets of Tbilisi remain a vivid testament to the country’s internal struggle between its pro-European aspirations and the growing influence of authoritarianism. Whether the government will reconsider its stance on EU talks remains to be seen, but for now, the determination of Georgia’s citizens shows no signs of waning.

 

Based on a report by the Times and Sunday Times 2024-12-04

 

 

 

Keep him. Don't send him back to UK, please. We have already riffraff enough.

[RayC]

1 hour ago, Hakuna Matata said:

 

No surprise, this is a British MI6 operation to subvert and sabotage the legitimate government of Georgia.

 

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/12/03/georgia-authorities-claims-foreign-agitator-organising-riots-is-british/

 

 

 

What's happening in Georgia echoes what happened in Ukraine in 2013/14. A party stands on a platform of joining the EU, but once elected regnates on its' promise and turns towards Russia. Unsurprisingly, the public feel betrayed and takes to the streets to voice their disapproval.

 

We can only hope that Georgia doesn't follow the same path as Ukraine since 2014.

[paul1804]

10 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

What's happening in Georgia echoes what happened in Ukraine in 2013/14. A party stands on a platform of joining the EU, but once elected regnates on its' promise and turns towards Russia. Unsurprisingly, the public feel betrayed and takes to the streets to voice their disapproval.

 

We can only hope that Georgia doesn't follow the same path as Ukraine since 2014.

Dont hold your breath, you can almost guarantee that Putin will take over when he sees his opportunity! 

[RayC]

8 minutes ago, paul1804 said:

Dont hold your breath, you can almost guarantee that Putin will take over when he sees his opportunity! 

 

Sadly, I fear that you may be correct. No doubt, the Putin apologists will reappear arguing that he had no choice and was forced into a corner (yet again) by the West.